Lord Bach: My right honourable friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Adam Ingram) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	On 14 February 2005, my honourable friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Lord Bach) signed a statement of intent with the Secretary-General of the Iraqi Ministry of Defence which lays the foundation for co-operation on defence equipment matters in areas such as requirement definition, exchange of information, supplier identification, and the availability of commercial training.
	It is HM Government's aim to assist the Iraqi Government and Armed Forces to rebuild their country and to improve security and stability. In support of this, a non-legally binding statement of intent will be mutually beneficial for both Governments.
	All such activities in connection with potential defence exports continue to adhere fully to national and international export control obligations.
	Copies of the statement of intent will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.